PBH's Free Fringe has issued the following statement regarding their plans for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe following Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon offering some clarity on Scotland's path out of lockdown.

"Today’s announcement from the Scottish government (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-57570939) has given cautious hope for a live in-person fringe. PBH’s Free Fringe has already had confirmation from some venues and hoping for more, and we’ll be offering slots shortly. At the moment it’s a blank slate so if you apply quickly there are still prime evening slots available.

We don’t yet know what the audience will be like with so many risk factors involved. What we can tell you is that the risk can be considerably reduced by joining us and not paying any venue or promoter fees. Also our shows will be in Edinburgh-based businesses who already have tried and tested Covid-safe measures in place.

While I’m optimistic for August, I feel it only fair to add a note of caution. Cases of the Delta variant are rising (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57525891) and double vaccinations do not appear to have a significant effect on mortality rates among those infected, while a new variant of the Delta has already been reported. Not meaning to put a gloomy note on it but it’s entirely possible that the lifting of restrictions is delayed. However if that’s the case it will be the same for all gigs so you might as well take a punt with us.

Whatever happens, we are going ahead with our Virtual Programme too. We believe the future of the fringe will include live-streaming of shows and dedicated digital content which could bring it a whole new audience. Also there are fantastic acts who won’t be able to make it to Edinburgh and have made some great online content. A hybrid fringe is here to stay."

Applications for PBH’s Free Fringe can be made on freefringe.org.uk